Median Income
$69,186
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$253,500
10% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
618/100K
63% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Montpelier Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population228
Median Age58.9 yrs
Density465/mi²
Male / Female61% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans4.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$69,186
Per Capita$33,662
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$12,607M
Housing
A+
Home Value$253,500
Ownership83.9%
Zillow$157,395
Housing Units111
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent618/100K
Property850/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking14.6%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation601 ft (183 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+75.2%
Graduate+15.6%
School Score5.73
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 54%
Broadband83.9%
EV Stations4
Libraries11
Is Montpelier a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Montpelier receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, high obesity rates. Montpelier offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Montpelier is $69,186, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Montpelier is $253,500, 10% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 618 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 850 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Montpelier experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Montpelier has a population of 228 with a density of 465 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 58.9 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.5% female and 60.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.9yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Montpelier vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Montpelier vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Montpelier is $69,186, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,662 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,391. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,880 business establishments, including 375 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 41.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Montpelier vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $69,186 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,662 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,391 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,635 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,880 |
| County GDP | $12,607M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 375 |
| Healthcare | 405 |
| Retail | 411 |
| Manufacturing | 124 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.63% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 58.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 41.3% |
The median home value in Montpelier is $253,500, 10% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,395, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 111 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $6,655 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $253,500 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,395 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.1% |
| Housing Units | 111 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,655 |
| 90% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.63% |
In Montpelier, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 14.6% are current smokers. 23.6% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042. The dentist ratio is 1:1,275. 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Montpelier vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.6% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.0% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,042 |
| Dentists | 1:1,275 |
| Mental Health | 1:334 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,429/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 90.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 405 |
Montpelier has a violent crime rate of 618 per 100,000 residents, 63% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 850 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Montpelier receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Montpelier vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 618.2/100K |
| 63% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 850.1/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Montpelier experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 36.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 601 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 601 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 465/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4614°N, 90.8114°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rock Island County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
635 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 265 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
32 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1966 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1965 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
45 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
45 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
46 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Montpelier has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Montpelier. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,220 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $804 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $729 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Montpelier
What is the population of Montpelier?
Montpelier has a population of 228 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 465 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.5% female and 60.5% male.
Is Montpelier expensive to live in?
Montpelier is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $69,186, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $253,500 (10% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Montpelier safe?
Public safety is a concern in Montpelier, with a violent crime rate of 618 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 850 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Montpelier receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Montpelier?
Montpelier has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches, with 36.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Montpelier?
The job market in Montpelier is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,391. There are 2,880 business establishments in the area, including 375 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Montpelier?
The median home value in Montpelier is $253,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,395. The homeownership rate is 83.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,655.
How are the schools in Montpelier?
Schools in Montpelier score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.4% of adults in Montpelier hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 75.2% have completed high school. 15.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Montpelier?
The obesity rate in Montpelier is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.6% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 90.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,042.
What are the demographics of Montpelier?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Montpelier is 100% White. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 4.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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